How To Use The Instant Pot For Beginners

I hated school.

Learning stuff was hard, and most lessons were boring, so nothing ever really stuck. When I g̶r̶e̶w̶ ̶u̶p̶ got older, I realized that nothing ever changes.

Every instruction manual, recipe book, or online guide is written in the least imaginative way possible, so you forget the information the second you've finished reading it.

Fortunately for you, I've made it my life's mission to buck that trend and write an entertaining yet informative blog that teaches you how to use Instant Pot Multicooker to become a better cook, enjoy meals, and become a legend of your family's kitchen.

I'll teach you how to use the Instant Pot manual and smart programs, the secret to creating gourmet one-pot meals, the difference between a natural-release and quick-release steam release valve, and more info than you could fit in your Instant Pot.

Which is loads.

Are you ready to enter meal-time mythology?

Let's go.

Jump to:

• Let Me Be Your Instant Pot Guide
• How to Start The Instant Pot
• Instant Pot - More Than An Electric Pressure Cooker
• How To Pressure Cook Without Feeling Under Pressure
• Manual Pressure Cook With Quick Release or NPR (Duo Crisp Style)
• How To Natural Release The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
• How To Quick Release The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
• How To Use the Sauté Function on Your Instant Pot
• Using the Instant Pot Steamer Function
• Using the Instant Pot Slow Cooker Function
• More Tips For Getting To Grips With Your Instant Pot
• Instant Pot FAQs You Might Not Have Thought Of

Let Me Be Your Instant Pot Guide

Learning how to use a new appliance with so many features, functions, and options can be a tad overwhelming, especially if you're a bit of a technophobe *cough**like me**cough*.

But despite their commanding aura of superiority and majestic yet complex appearance, most Instant Pot models are surprisingly user-friendly.

Once you know what you're doing.

If you've yet to read our 'Instant Pot for Beginners' series, we cover what the Instant Pot is and how the key features work. They're well worth a read if you're a complete IP noob.

If you already know how to use an Instant Pot to your advantage, you can skip this.

How to Start The Instant Pot

Step 1

Place the Instant Pot on a sturdy countertop or a table close to a power socket. Make sure there is plenty of open space above the pot as you will have steam eject from the lid up in the air if you quick release the pressure. 

Step 2

Make sure the inner pot is inside the cooker base and is clean. Plug the power cord in. Instant Pot will switch on and the OFF status symbol will appear on the control panel. This is called a standby mode.

Step 3

Decide which cooking method you want to use from the scenarios below. This will depend on what you want to cook. Usually, recipe instructions will guide you along here.

Your choices will be determined by whether you want to Sauté food first and then whether you want to use a manual setting or one of the smart programs.

Instant Pot - More Than An Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot multicookers are best known for their pressure cooking capabilities. In fact, Instant Pot has become so intrinsically linked to pressure cookers that there's a whole army of people who will call ANY electric pressure cooker an Instant Pot (Hi Mum!).

In actuality, even the most basic Instant Pot model is capable of so much more than forcing hot steam into your food to cook it.

Here are the top 15 features and functions available across the Instant Pot range:

• Bake
• Steam Cooking
• Pressure Cook
• Slow Cook
• Sauté Mode
• Rice Cooker
• Yogurt Maker
• Sous Vide
• Sterilizing Mode
• Keep Warm
• Air Frying
• Dehydrating
• Delay Start
• Customizable Programs
• Auto Shut-off

While I'm going to take a look at the four best features and usable functions, I wouldn't be able to cover every single function in the Instant Pot range without writing a multicooker version of War and Peace.

How To Pressure Cook Without Feeling Under Pressure

As Instant Pots are best known for their pressure cooking capabilities, it's a good idea to give you what you're probably looking for and teach you how to use this function first.

1. Pressure Cooking Stages - What You Need To Know

Cooking with the pressure cooker on any Instant Pot has three phases: preheating and pressurizing, cooking, and depressurizing. Once you've added all your ingredients and the required amount of water to the stainless steel inner pot and you're ready to get steamy, the following will happen.

Preheating & Pressurizing: When you start the cooking cycle, the Instant Pot turns the water into steam and creates pressure inside. Pressurization can take 5-20 minutes, depending on how much food and liquid you add. 

Cooking: When steam and pressure build up to the required levels inside the Instant Pot, they have nowhere else to go but into your food. At this point, the timer will start to count down.

Depressurizing: When the pressure cooking cycle finishes, you need to release the steam before you can open the Instant Pot and chow down on your food. There are two ways to do this.

• Natural Pressure Release (NPR)
• Quick Release (QR)

Unsurprisingly, natural pressure release occurs organically if you leave the Instant Pot to do its thing. It'll take about 10 or 20 minutes and is a good option if you're not in any rush or want to start your pressure cooker while you go shopping or something.

If you're in more of a rush, you can use the quick-release valve to get the hot stuff out of there as fast as possible. Only once the steam has been evacuated can you safely remove the lid.

2. Getting Ready - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

Whether you’re making rice, chicken breasts, pot roast, carrots, or stew, you can't pressure cook without liquid to create steam. You will need between 1 and 1.5 cups of liquid for the Instant Pot to do its job.

While the amount can vary from recipe to recipe, you can't go wrong with my recommendation. However, it's better to be over rather than under.

Top Tip: One of my favorite Instant Pot tips is that the liquid needed to build steam doesn't necessarily have to come from plain old water. If you want to infuse your food with magnificent flavors, try using different liquids like:

• Stock or Gravy
• Wine or Ale
• Tomato Juice
• Meat Juices

Never completely cover the ingredients with water; otherwise, you'll end up with a soggy mess, and nobody wants that.

3. Check Your Instant Pot Lid - Better Safe Than Frustrated

Even if you're using a brand-new Instant Pot model, checking your lid before you engage the pressure cook cycle is good practice for your appliance's functionality and safety.

Check the Sealing Ring: Turn your pressure cooker lid upside down and make sure the silicone ring is in place. If it’s loose or sticks out, the pot won't seal properly and will not be able to come to pressure. Place it on top and twist it until it locks in place.

Check the Pressure Steam Release Valve: Most newer Instant Pot models automatically seal when the cooking process begins, but some older units have a valve you'll want to check before use. Depress the button that says ... well ... press on it until it clicks, and then turn it anti-clockwise to release it. You'll press this button to release the steam when you're finished pressurizing your food.

Manual Pressure Cook With Quick Release or NPR (Duo Crisp Style)

Using the pressure cooker on Instant Pot models is a fairly standard process across the board, but I'll be using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp for this demonstration. My steps here will give you a good understanding and can easily be applied to most Instant Pot models if you’ve got a different version at home.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Add your food, seasonings, and liquid into the inner pot. Remember that Instant Pots need liquid to build up pressure, so always include at least a cup of water or broth unless your recipe specifies otherwise.

If you add thicker ingredients like tomato sauce or paste, avoid stirring too much, as these can sometimes cause burning on the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot, and nobody wants the pain of scrubbing burnt food off stainless steel.

2. Close and Lock the Lid

Get your lid and check that the sealing ring on the inside is in place. If it’s loose or sticks out, the pot might not seal properly and it will not be able to come to pressure. Align the Instant Pot lid with the pot and twist it until it locks in place.

On older models like Duo Classic, check that the steam release handle on top of the lid is pointing to Sealing. On the Duo Nova, the quick-release button should be popped up and not pressed down.

The Duo Crisp model automatically seals when you start cooking, unlike some older models that require you to set the steam release handle to “sealing manually.” This feature saves a step and helps prevent accidentally leaving the valve open.

3. Select Pressure Cooking Mode

Press the 'Pressure Cook' button on the control panel (Manual on older models). The timer will appear on the screen, and you can choose between 'HIGH' or 'LOW' pressure using the Pressure Level button. I'm not going to lie; I've never used the low-pressure setting and can't envisage a scenario where I would need it. The high-pressure setting cooks faster and more efficiently. Maybe you'll find a reason?

4. Set the Cooking Time

Use the +/- buttons to adjust the timer according to your recipe. For example, set the timer to 5 minutes if you're cooking long-grain rice. Remember that this timer reflects the active cooking time once pressure has been reached, not the total cooking time. So, factor in the pressurization time into your meal prep if you want to avoid lots of angry faces sitting around the dinner table while you continue to sweat in the kitchen.

5. Preheat and Build Pressure

After you've set the time and pressed start, the Instant Pot will start heating up and building pressure. You’ll see 'On' displayed on the screen, indicating the preheating phase. This stage can take a few minutes, depending on the amount and temperature of the liquid. You might hear a hissing sound as the pressure builds; don't worry, this is normal, your Instant Pot isn't about to explode.

6. Cooking Timer Begins

Once the Instant Pot reaches full pressure, the float valve will pop up, and the cooking timer you set will start counting down.

7. End of Cooking

When the timer hits zero, the Instant Pot will beep to signal the end of the cooking process. The screen may display End or switch to Keep Warm if that feature is enabled.

8. Release Pressure

You have two options: Quick Release (QR) or Natural Pressure Release (NPR). For QR, press the quick-release button to manually release the steam—perfect for quick-cooking foods like vegetables. For NPR, let the pressure release on its own; this is ideal for soups and stews as it gradually cools and keeps flavors intact.

9. Unlock and Remove the Lid

To unlock the lid, grab a fistful of the handle, turn it anti-clockwise until it clicks, and take it off. Remember that your Instant Pot lid has just been subjected to extremely high temperatures and pressures and will be exceedingly hot, so it's not a good idea to touch it or set it down on anything that could melt.

How To Natural Release The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Easy! Don't touch it. Leave it alone. Hands off!

The Instant Pot will release all the steam and pressure by itself after a while (anywhere between 10-25 minutes). Once the pressure is released, the float valve on the top will drop back down, and the lid will loosen up, allowing you to open it. However, if you leave the appliance to release the steam naturally, it's worth noting that the temperature inside the pot will still be pretty toasty, and your food will continue to cook.

How To Quick Release The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Using the quick-release method is the optimal way to let all of the steam out of your pressure cooker in one go without overcooking your food. Simply press the 'quick release' button on top of the lid (or point the steam release handle on older models to 'venting').

The quick-release vent is no joke. Skin-blistering steam will blast out of the vent the second you open it, so make sure you get your hand out of the way faster than The Flash hiding his adult magazine collection when his parents come to town. If you're worried, wrap a kitchen towel around your hand before pressing the button.

How To Use the Sauté Function on Your Instant Pot

If you want to add a little extra flavor to your meals or brown your meat before pressure cooking (or after), the Instant Pot’s sauté feature is just what you need. This versatile feature lets you sear, sauté, and simmer in the same pot, saving you from using extra pans on the stove and avoiding my pet hate ... washing up!

Getting Started with Sauté

1. Turn on the Sauté Mode: Give the 'Sauté' button on your Instant Pot's control panel a jab with your thumb. You’ll notice that it defaults to a medium heat setting. Depending on your recipe, you can adjust the heat to 'Less' (low), 'Normal' (medium), or 'More' (high). Press the 'Sauté' button multiple times to cycle through the heat levels.
2. Add Oil or Butter: Allow the pot to preheat slightly, which takes about a minute or two. Once it's warm, add a small amount of oil or butter to the inner pot. This will prevent food from sticking and help create a nice sear. But don't leave it too long before adding your ingredients, as the stainless steel inner pot is prone to staining, which looks gross and is a pain to remove.
3. Sauté Ingredients: Place your ingredients into the pot and stir occasionally. Be sure to use wooden or silicone utensils, or you'll damage the inner pot. Whether you're browning onions and garlic for a stew, searing meat for extra flavor, or toasting spices, keep an eye on the food as the sauté function heats up quickly.

Adjusting the Sauté Temperature

One of the best things about the Instant Pot's sauté feature is the ability to control the heat. Here’s how to choose the right temperature for different types of cooking:

• Less (Low): Great for simmering sauces or gently cooking delicate vegetables.
• Normal (Medium): Ideal for browning onions or lightly sautéing veggies.
• More (High): Use this setting to sear meat or achieve a deeper browning.

Ending the Sauté Function

Once your ingredients are sautéed to perfection, press the 'Cancel' button to end the cooking cycle. It's important to cancel the hot stuff to prevent overheating if you're transitioning to another cooking method.

The inner pot will stop heating, allowing you to safely add more ingredients or liquid if you plan to use another cooking function, like pressure cook. But make no mistake, the pot will still be red hot for a while even after you've canceled the function, so please be careful. Nobody wants crispy fingers.

Deglazing the Pot

After using the sauté feature, you might notice some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Some people think it's gross, but I love burnt stuff and often use it to flavor my food.

This residue is packed with flavor, and it’s an excellent idea to deglaze the inner pot before using the electric pressure cooker. Add a splash of broth, wine (if you've got any left, I never do), or water to the pot, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the bits. This prevents burning during the cooking process and adds a boost of flavor to your dish.

Why Sautéing Adds Depth to Your Instant Pot Meals

The sauté is one of my favorite things about my Instant Pot, as it eliminates the need for cumbersome frying pans and my standard range.

By browning ingredients first, you caramelize natural sugars, enhance their flavor, and build layers of flavor that you just don't get from pressure cooking alone. The sauté step can make a big difference, especially in Instant Pot recipes for soups, stews, and braised dishes. Give it a try next time you're using your Instant Pot, and you’ll see how a little extra effort at the start can lead to rich, savory results in the end.

Using the Instant Pot Steamer Function

Next up, I'll cover the Instant Pot's healthiest cooking function: the humble steamer.

Again, I'm using my Instant Pot Duo Crisp for this demonstration, but don't fret if you’re using a different Instant Pot model; most steps are universal enough to follow these steps for success.

Prepare Your Ingredients and Set Up

Place the food you want to steam (think veggies, dumplings, or that leftover dim sum you can't let go of) in a steamer basket (you can use the air fryer basket if you have a Duo Crisp) or on a trivet inside the stainless steel inner pot.

Add a cup or so of water to the bottom of the pot. I always use about 250ml, and I've never had any issues.

Note: With too little water, you'll run out of steam and burn your food, creating an all-mighty mess that will take you longer to clean than it took to cook your food. Too much water and your food will be a soggy mess that everyone will say was delicious, but they'll secretly judge your cooking skills.

Lock It Up

Twist the lid to seal it in place. If you’re rocking the Duo Crisp, you're already set, as it auto-seals, making it ideal for people with terrible memories (like me, who can't remember my own kid's names half the time).

If you’re on an older model, flick that steam release handle to “sealing.” Otherwise, you’ll change your kitchen into a sauna rather than steaming your veggies.

Choose The Function & Steaming Time

Find and press the 'Steam' button on your control panel. Adjust the cooking time using the +/- buttons to suit your food. Just like sauteing, the trick is to avoid overdoing it. You want steamed veggies, not a mushy soup.

Steam Away!

Once you press 'Start,' the Instant Pot will begin its preheating phase. In a minute or two, it’ll kick into steaming mode, and your timer will start. You’ll know it’s working if you hear a gentle whoosh of steam and smell that signature veggie aroma, which can be a pro or a con, depending on your nasal proclivities.

Quick Release for Delicate Foods

When the timer beeps, do a quick release to avoid overcooking. Hit the quick-release button or flick the steam release handle to 'venting' if you’re feeling a bit old school.

Lift and Serve

Once the pressure’s fully released, turn the lid counterclockwise and lift it off. Voilà! Perfectly steamed food, ready to be devoured. Just remember: that steamy lid is hot. Handle with care or risk branding yourself like a grilled cheese.

Using the Instant Pot Slow Cooker Function

The slow cooker feature is where the Instant Pot shifts gear from a high-speed train to a sleepy Sunday afternoon drive. It's ideal for low-and-slow dishes that make you look like a gourmet chef with practically zero effort.

I love using the feature first thing in the morning before I start work. I'm all about getting home after a hard day to a house filled with mouth-watering smells and not needing to make dinner.

Load Your Ingredients

Load up your pot with all your favorite slow-cooker ingredients (which you may or may not have pressure-cooked, steamed, and sauteed in your Instant Pot first). Think hearty soups, stews, or fall-off-the-bone meats.

There’s no need to add heaps of water as you would for pressure cooking, but do make sure your ingredients are submerged if your recipe calls for it. You're looking for a gentle simmer, not a soupy hot tub.

Lid Check and Lock

For the Duo Crisp, you can actually use the Instant Pot glass lid for slow cooking (just like on the stovetop). Don’t have a glass lid? No problem! Use the regular lid, but keep the steam release handle set to “venting” to allow slow, steady release.

Select the Slow Cook Button

Now, it’s time to press the 'Slow Cook' button. Adjust to 'Low' or 'High' depending on your recipe. You can also set the cooking duration with the +/- buttons, giving you total control over when you want your culinary masterpiece ready to serve to the masses.

Slow Cook Mode Activated

Once you start the slow cook function, you’re on autopilot. The Instant Pot takes over, gently cooking your food to tender perfection. Bonus: You can leave it going for hours while you throw back a few b̶o̶t̶t̶l̶e̶s̶ glasses of wine or e̶n̶d̶l̶e̶s̶s̶l̶y̶ d̶o̶o̶m̶ s̶c̶r̶o̶l̶l̶ o̶n̶ s̶o̶c̶i̶a̶l̶ m̶e̶d̶i̶a̶ read a book.

Unveil and Serve

When the cooking time is up, your Instant Pot will automatically switch to the 'Keep Warm' setting (unless you’ve opted out). Carefully lift the lid, letting that warm, home-cooked aroma hit you. Remember, everything in there is hot enough to make your skin regret poor judgment, so handle it with care.

And there you have it! The Instant Pot’s slow cooker function: low maintenance, big reward, and zero kitchen drama.

More Tips For Getting To Grips With Your Instant Pot

Now that we've covered step-by-step instructions for using the Instant Pot, I want to share a few general tips to help every Instant Pot beginner master and enjoy pressure cooking without getting overwhelmed or intimidated. 

Do Your Homework & Read The Manual

I'm going to be a bit of a hypocrite here because I'm one of those types who lobs the instructions straight out of the window and then proceeds to figure it out as I go.

But, a little research before you begin can go a long way.

It’s not the easiest manual to read, and it lacks detail to help fully understand certain concepts or functionalities (which is why we created our Instant Pot For Beginners series to fill in the missing pieces). Still, hearing the safety instructions straight from the horse's mouth is always wise.

For more detailed instructions and information that is still super friendly and easily digestible, check out our other posts:

• How Does An Instant Pot Work? 
• Buttons & Settings Explained 

DO THE WATER TEST

The water test might seem like you're just boiling water in your Instant Pot, and that's because you are. However, the water test isn't about the outcome; it's an exercise in familiarising yourself with the controls and functions of the Instant Pot in a safe and controlled manner.

It's better to learn your multicooker craft with water because if you mess up, all you have is steam rather than a pot full of burnt or soggy food. It's like taking a driving test in a bumper car; you can't really get it wrong.

The water test is very straightforward if you follow our guide.

Keep It Simple - There's No Rush

Choose simple recipes to start with. Set yourself up for success by beginning with easier dishes so you can develop a more intuitive sense for pressure cooking, sauteeing, and slow cooking as you go. Some of the simplest (and most useful) Instant Pot recipes for beginners include those using a single ingredient or just a handful of foods and steps, such as:

• White or brown rice
• Boiled eggs
• Quick and easy soup
• Simple chicken breasts
• Mashed potatoes 

Have Fun & Stay Positive

When we asked our readers about their first experiences with the Instant Pot, the most common advice was to simply enjoy experimenting with it. Let go of any expectations, trust that the Instant Pot is an incredibly safe kitchen tool, and be open to trying new recipes. Even if things don’t turn out perfectly, it’s all part of building your confidence.

Over to you! Do you have any further questions about how to use the Instant Pot as a beginner? What foods or recipes do you plan to cook first? Anything else we can help you with? Leave your feedback and comment below!